The big mistakes tourists make at home before leaving

THESE are the biggest mistakes tourists make before they leave – but here’s how you can avoid them.

Many Brits are preparing to go on holiday now that summer has arrived, but getting caught up in all the excitement could end up costing them a lot of money.

That’s because amidst all the chaos of packing, leaving, and getting to the airport on time, it’s easy to forget about the safety of your home.

Unfortunately, this means your home and possessions are more vulnerable to theft, but there are simple ways to prevent this.

By following these four easy steps, you’ll be doing everything you can to ensure your home is as safe as possible.

Automate your lights with smart lighting

Using smart light bulbs could be the perfect theft deterrent because it gives the impression that someone is always home.

Some smart lighting systems, like those provided by Vivint, even allow you to create custom schedules in an easy-to-use app.

It doesn’t have to be expensive either, as there are many smart bulbs on the market compatible with systems you may already have, such as Alexa or Google Home.

Use sensors to secure all doors and windows.

Using sensors to secure all your doors and windows is another great way to protect your home from burglars and thieves.

While it doesn’t seem like a difficult task to complete, it’s very easy to forget to check a window or door that you rarely use, but using smart sensors can help ensure that everything is closed.

Jim Nye, CPO at security company Vivint, told Real Simple that a central app allows you to easily see which doors and windows are still open and secure them accordingly before leaving.

Exchange your spare keys for smart locks

It’s very easy to leave your spare key under a doormat or a flower pot, but thieves are no strangers to this common tactic and could discover it quickly.

However, by using a smart lock, you don’t have to worry about making the same mistake, and you can even let people come and go from your home when you’re not there.

“Smart locks can be controlled remotely and allow you to give a passcode to a friend, so they can keep an eye on your home while you’re away,” Nye said. “You can also stay notified of their activity all the time.”

Package delivery plan

While it may be unavoidable in the worst case scenario, try to ensure that home deliveries are not left outside your front door.

This is not only to prevent people from stealing them, but also because it is an important sign that no one is home.

If possible, plan your deliveries for before or after your vacation, or even ask a neighbor to come and carry your packages inside until you return.